RE Hugh Pender’s letter about homecoming parades for our soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (HAS, April 10).

It is of huge importance that our troops do not slink back into the country like assassins in the night, but that they are shown they are not alone, that they are supported by the populace – the very people who voted in the politicians who sanction such wars cannot claim the moral high ground by distancing themselves from the actions of our Armed Forces.

The parading is not triumphalism; it is demonstrating that support mentioned above, showing gratitude that many have returned unscathed and marking the sacrifices some have made performing their duty, while acknowledging the pain and anguish of the families that have gone through months of worry.

Democracy, with all its faults and imperfections, is better than that which it opposes.

Gerard Wild, Richmond, North Yorkshire.